FORMER Everton midfielder Gary Speed is poised to be confirmed as the new manager of Wales today.

Speed met with representatives of the Football Association of Wales yesterday to discuss the position vacated by John Toshack in September after being granted permission by Sheffield United and the FAW have confirmed a press conference for today at 2pm.

The talks with Wales’ most-capped outfield player are expected to be a formality after a meeting of the FAW’s 28-man ruling council in Cardiff.

Although Speed has been heavily linked with the job over the past few days, the FAW’s move for the 41-year-old is still a surprise.

Despite a superb playing career spanning 20 years, which also included spells with Leeds, Newcastle and Bolton before ending up at Bramall Lane, Speed has struggled on his managerial debut.

After sacking Kevin Blackwell just three games into this season, the Blades board appointed from within, ignoring Speed’s obvious lack of experience, even though he had taken up a coaching role.

United have lost half of Speed’s 18 games in charge, leaving them one point and two places above the npower Championship relegation zone.

Yet Speed has seemingly emerged as the preferred candidate ahead of Chris Coleman, despite his more considerable managerial experience, in particular with Fulham in the Premier League.

It is understood Coleman has also been offered a job at Larissa, currently bottom of the Greek Super League.